The Zesty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe Everyone Loves

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty chicken piccata with lemon sauce delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken breasts bathed in a bright, tangy lemon sauce create an irresistible meal that sings with Mediterranean flavors.

Capers add a delightful punch of briny goodness to each succulent bite.

The classic Italian-inspired dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.

Crisp white wine and fresh lemon juice blend seamlessly to create a sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary experience.

Sharp and bright, this piccata promises to become your new favorite go-to recipe for impressive yet easy cooking.

Let your taste buds dance with this restaurant-quality meal that brings gourmet flair right to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden coating that locks in chicken's moisture and adds texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic warmth and a sophisticated background note.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and beautiful golden color to the coating.

• Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, boneless cuts with consistent thickness for even cooking and tender results.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve perfect golden sear and adds rich, smooth base for cooking.
• Butter: Creates luxurious sauce texture and adds rich, creamy undertones.
• Garlic: Select fresh cloves for intense, bright aromatic punch.
• White Wine: Introduces complex, acidic notes that brighten the entire dish (can substitute with chicken broth).
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and liquid base for silky sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings zesty brightness and cuts through richness.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant flavor.
• Capers: Deliver tangy, briny pop that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal notes and beautiful green color garnish.

Essential Tools For Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the delicious sauce.
• Shallow bowl: Perfect for mixing flour and spices for dredging chicken.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling meat safely in the hot skillet.
• Zester or grater: Useful for creating lemon zest to add bright flavor to the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and scrape browned bits from the pan while making sauce.

Steps To Prepare Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

• Slice Chicken into Tender Cutlets

Carefully cut chicken breasts horizontally to create delicate, thin pieces that will cook quickly and evenly.

• Create Crispy Coating

Blend flour with seasonings in a shallow dish, then lovingly coat each chicken piece, ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat a skillet with a blend of olive oil and butter, then gently cook chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown on both sides.

• Craft Zesty Sauce

In the same pan, quickly sauté garlic, then splash in white wine to capture all the delicious browned bits. Add bright lemon juice, broth, and tangy capers to create a vibrant, mouthwatering sauce.

• Finish and Simmer

Return chicken to the pan, letting it bathe in the lemony sauce. Add a touch of butter to create a luxurious, silky finish.

• Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken, then serve alongside your favorite side dish. Enjoy the burst of flavors that dance on your palate!

Tips And Tweaks For Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

• Thin Cutlet Technique: Pound chicken between plastic wrap to ensure even, thin cutlets that cook quickly and stay tender. Use a meat mallet or heavy skillet to achieve uniform thickness.
• Flour Coating Secrets: Add grated parmesan cheese to your flour mixture for extra crispiness and depth of flavor. Make sure to shake off excess flour to prevent soggy breading.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version. This swap maintains the crispy exterior while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Wine Substitution Magic: If avoiding alcohol, swap white wine with extra chicken broth or apple cider for similar depth and acidity. The key is maintaining that bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine. Use coconut cream instead of butter for a silky sauce that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners.

Best Ways To Serve Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

• Pasta Pairing Paradise: Toss al dente linguine or spaghetti with the zesty lemon sauce, creating a classic Italian-inspired main course that soaks up every delicious drop of flavor.
• Crispy Veggie Companions: Roast asparagus, green beans, or broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil and garlic to complement the bright, tangy chicken piccata and add a nutritious crunch.
• Bread Dipping Delight: Serve alongside warm, crusty French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the rich, lemony pan sauce, transforming every bite into a burst of incredible taste.
• Wine Bar Magic: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the dish's bright, citrusy notes and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Plan Ahead And Store Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's silkiness and prevent drying out chicken. Microwave sparingly to avoid toughening meat.
• Smart Batch Preparation: Cook extra chicken cutlets and sauce separately. Store components individually to maintain crisp texture. Combine just before serving to keep coating perfectly crisp.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, removing excess air. Freeze sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating carefully to preserve tender texture.

Tangy Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken piccata with lemon sauce combines Italian culinary traditions with zesty flavors. Delicate chicken cutlets draped in tangy sauce promise a delightful dining experience for passionate cooks and hungry guests.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 boneless thighs)
• ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsps capers (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsps butter (for finishing the sauce)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, uniform cutlets for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
2. Seasoning: Mix flour with aromatic spices, ensuring even flavor distribution for a well-coated exterior.
3. Coating: Delicately dredge chicken cutlets in seasoned flour, gently shaking off excess to achieve a light, crisp coating.
4. Searing: Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter until fat shimmers, creating an ideal environment for golden-brown crust development.
5. Cooking: Arrange floured cutlets in the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding, and cook until edges crisp and center turns opaque, flipping once to ensure even browning.
6. Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat, sauté minced garlic briefly, then deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits to intensify flavor profile.
7. Flavor Building: Introduce chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, and capers, creating a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
8. Finishing: Return chicken to the sauce, allowing it to simmer and absorb the bright flavors, then swirl in cold butter to create a glossy, luxurious coating.
9. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and plate alongside complementary sides, letting the sauce pool invitingly around the golden chicken cutlets.

Notes

• Master Chicken Thickness: Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Control Flour Coating: Shake off excess flour gently to create a light, crispy exterior without heavy breading.
• Manage Pan Temperature: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the delicate chicken or flour coating.
• Balance Sauce Intensity: Adjust lemon juice and capers to personal taste, ensuring bright flavors without overwhelming the chicken’s delicate profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 75mg